The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
After an extensive search, Gathering Place is excited to announce the hiring of Julio Badin as the new Executive Director.
Badin’s 22 years in the hospitality and entertainment industries, combined with a passion for community programming and guest experiences, will help to further advance the mission of Tulsa’s award-winning riverfront park.
“My entire professional career has been in the hospitality and entertainment industry, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Julio Badin. “However, after coming to understand Gathering Place’s mission and meeting the Park’s outstanding team, this presented such a compelling opportunity. I’m excited to fully engage with and serve an entire community in a way that I haven’t been able to do in the past.”
Prior to joining the Gathering Place team, Badin served as the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport where he oversaw experience strategy and execution at all five terminals, including operations, project management, and the DFW Airport Pandemic Preparedness Plan. Additionally, Badin spent 18 years with The Walt Disney Company where he held key leadership roles managing customer experience, attractions, retail, culinary and financial performance.
“Julio clearly possesses the skills to continue to deliver and improve upon the high-quality experience that all Tulsans have come to expect from Gathering Place,” said Jeff Stava, Construction Director and Trustee of Tulsa’s Gathering Place, LLC. “Julio’s previous work at Disney and DFW demonstrated over and over again his ability and dedication to creating and implementing family-friendly, inclusive and engaging experiences for all visitors. We look forward to him continuing that great work here.”
August 23rd will be Badin’s first official day as Executive Director. In addition to Gathering Place, Badin will also be responsible for overseeing the operations and programming for Guthrie Green and Duet Jazz Club.
